If you won't get scanned, you won't be catching your flight

Controversial as airport body scanners may be, one airport has decided: No scan, no flight.

According to the e-travel blackboard, Melbourne Airport has introduced body scanners at its international departures terminal -- and a lucky few will be scanned whether you like it or not.

As part of the Federal Government’s $200 million Strengthening Aviation Security Initiative, which includes increased investment by the government in new technologies designed to boost customer and airport security, implementing body and bottled liquid scanners are part of the process.

Not every passenger passing through Melbourne Airport will be required to undergo body scanning. A random selection process is part of the deal, but if you are picked and have no "valid, medical or physical condition" which stops you -- refusal notwithstanding -- then you will not be permitted to fly.

The types of body scanner being installed in Melbourne Airport are already in use within the United States, U.K., Thailand and Canada.

Recently, producer of controversial airport body scanners Rapiscan was accused of faking product software tests designed around the basis of consumer privacy, which has resulted in a number of scanners being pulled from areas including JFK and Boston Airport. In addition, the TSA is removing some scanners from airports due to the additional time it takes to move through security.